Tybee Island CW2019016

Project Synopsis

1. Project Need: The PV arrays will be installed on existing structures and land currently occupied by
the waste water treatment plant. The facility will likely be around 150kW DC. Power output from the
PV will be used on-site at the WWTF to offset power usage and reduce the electrical bill from
Georgia Power as well as increase resiliency and dependability of the facility in times of grid
outage. The project will be funded by energy savings. Attached is a preliminary layout of the PV
array on site.

The PV arrays will be mounted on existing structures. A large portion of the array will be mounted
on top of an existing metal awning structure that currently occupies the NE section of the facility.
Approximately half of the total capacity will be in this array. It will be roof mounted to the existing
metal roof with solar racking clamps that will be rated for the load of the panels as well as the wind
load designated by Chatham County and Tybee City.

The remaining PV will be ground mounted with direct driven poles at a depth to be determined at
engineering. The panels will be mounted at a height to avoid storm surge and other flooding. The
support structure will be designed and built according to local wind code.

The PV system will tie back into the WWTF’s electrical switchgear and will supplement and offset
the power currently being purchased from Georgia Power. This will reduce monthly electrical costs
and the savings will be used to finance the loan received from GEFA. The system will also provide
redundancy and reliability for when the grid is down. The system will provide enough electricity for
some limited operation of the facility in order to keep some services running during times of
prolonged outage.

WWTP Capacity:
The plant has the capacity to treat 4 MG, but are only permitted for 1.15 MGD from May through
September and 0.89 MGD October through April.

PV System Production and Savings

Based on preliminary sizing, the PV system will be around 150kW DC and will produce roughly
232,000 kWhs per year with a slight reduction year over year due to degradation.

Based on the WWTF’s current rate plan with Georgia Power, the PV system will produce a first-
year savings of $17,431. In Georgia Power’s analysis, it was assumed there would be a 2.9%
escalation in utility prices year over year, resulting in a 35-year total savings of around $871,000.

Conclusion

Project Synopsis Form – Rev. 6-23-2016

 Tybee City’s motivation for project construction is to reduce the carbon footprint of the WWTF,
reduce the facility’s electricity bills to ensure low utility rates to its customers, and to increase
reliability of the waste water treatment system during times of power outage.

2. Project Description: This project will construct a 150 kW solar photovoltaic system adjacent to the
wastewater treatment plant.

3. SERP Status: 30-day review

4. Loan Terms and Interest Rate: This loan is in the amount of $500,000 at the interest rate of 0.94%
for a 20-year term.

5. Project Schedule:

ACTION DATE
Plans & Specs Submitted to EPD JANUARY 2019
Bid Opening OCTOBER 2019
Notice to Proceed DECEMBER 2019
Completion of Construction AUGUST 2020

6. Unique Schedule Considerations: None

Project Synopsis Form – Rev. 6-23-2016